Mature Chapter: Sexual Activities

Paul POV

I scrolled through my phone as the sleek and polished elevator quietly made its way up to the private lounge my father frequented.

To be more specific, it was South Korea's most renown gentlemen's club. Its prestigious membership was comprised of the country's most influential conglomerate leaders and distinguished lawyers, doctors, and politicians.

Despite the nervousness I was feeling, my confidence remained strong as I looked back at all the pictures Kayla and I had taken together over the past two weeks.

We made so many memories, capturing fun-filled moments of us enjoying the waters, mountains, cuisine, elephants, and even native combat (Muay Thai) of Thailand.

We created memories in South Korea with Danny and Min-seok, too.

During peek cherry blossom season we visited Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where I got Makayla to rent and wear on a hanbok with me.

We treated Kayla to her first tea house experience in Insadong before we walked the cosmetic paradise of Myeongdong Shopping Street, enjoyed Korean street food, strolled the relaxing yet vibrant path along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and finished the day at Namsan Seoul Tower where Kayla and I managed to find a spot for our vary own love padlock.

Our time with Min-seok's family at their villa on Jeju Island was also very special given how welcoming the family was of Kayla and our private relationship as well.

We explored the island - its natural bathing pools on the edge of the ocean, the rocky coastline and walking trails that connected its forests and beaches, the huge waterfalls, and Kayla and I rode a hot air balloon together since it was something the both of us had never done before.

When we weren't being tourists, we were eating good and drinking plenty of aged bourbon at the mansion with the Chairman, Lady Nam, and Min-seok's aunts, uncles, and cousins as well.

By time we got back to Seoul yesterday, we were all exhausted but we kept up the momentum and had one last hoorah with the whole gang.

We ate loads of Korean barbecue and enjoyed several rounds of somaek at Ji-soo's family's restaurant before we sang and danced the night away at the group's favorite karaoke lounge.

This was a trip home I'd never forget, but most importantly the encourager I needed to stay the course of my decision.

"Young Master Ahn." The host greeted, bowing to me. "Welcome, your father is straight ahead at the bar. Your private room will be ready shortly."

I smiled to the well-dressed gentleman and headed towards the bar as guided.

It was never packed or busy in the calm lounge given its level of exclusivity.

Wearing an all black suite, I walked through the dim lit venue as the sounds of jazz piano softly played through its hidden speakers.

The walls were lined with rich dark wood paneling, vintage artwork, bookshelves, and windows covered with heavy drapes.

Mahogany wood floors laid beneath the leather arm chairs in which familiar and very powerful guests were lounging in, a large fireplace warming the room as it emitted a warm cedar scent to accompany the pleasant aroma of the lounge's premium cigars.

I heard my father's boisterous laugh before I even spotted him at the well-appointed bar. He was sipping on a neat serving of brown liquor and socializing with the President and CEO of Luminary Studio, a major South Korean production company.

"Son!" My father spotted. I joined him as he rested his hand on my back. "Your timing could not have been more perfect!"

"Is that so?" I gleamed. "CEO Kim Eun-chan, it's a pleasure to formally meet you. I've enjoyed many movies and dramas produced and marketed by your company."

The tall silver fox accepted the hand I offered, shaking it with a delightful smile.

"You're indeed as handsome, polite, and charming as they say. It's nice to meet you as well."

"So what exactly was it, I interrupted?" I questioned.

"A possible unity that exceeded anything Eun-chan and I could have imagined." Father replied. "You're familiar with his daughter Kim Hee-Sun, right?"

I nodded, hearing the name of a girl I used to hook up with often. Our most recent encounter, the failed attempt that took place on New Years Eve.

"I'll be frank." Kim Eun-chan said. "My precious Hee-sun is set on you and has been for years. AHS is known across the world, your father wants to break into the entertainment industry, and I'm impressed with you and your achievements, Ho-seok. I think this could be a good match."

"Likewise." Father enthused, the smile on my face growing thin.

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, sir. This is a really sudden suggestion though. I hope you can understand my desire to think it through more thoroughly with my father, especially since I have two more years of law school left in America."

"Oh, of course!" He chortled. "This is a premature idea, and I understand that you're doing big things for your career right now. You're a wise young man with a bright future, Ho-seok. I can see why everyone is eager to match you with their daughters."

I softly bowed to the man, though I could feel my father's discontent radiating off his body.

"Mr. Ahn Hyuk." The lounge's owner interrupted. "Your room is ready, sir."

"That's our queue." Father said to the fellow CEO. "I'll contact you soon, Eun-chan."

I watched as the two shook hands and I said my farewell to the chiseled-featured president before my father and I were escorted into a narrow but well decorated room for dinner.

The table was already set with a freshly cooked meal. My favorite dinner dish actually, Wagyu steak with steamed rice, seasoned spinach, cucumber salad, and other vegetables.

"Don't say your father doesn't know you." He chuckled, the two of us seated.

"It looks amazing, thank you."

The atmosphere fell silent, and as I cut into the steak he served me a glass of wine.

I embraced the first bite of the tender beef while it melted in my mouth and my father watched as I washed it down with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, next.

"How is it, son?"

"Perfect." I confirmed.

He proudly cut into his own steak, though it was a bit awkward as the room fell silent again.

"I heard you haven't been to the house once this week." He criticized.

"Does it make sense for me to be there when you're not? You just got back to Korea this afternoon. Between the two of us, shouldn't I be the one who's disappointed?"

"You truly have the tongue of a lawyer, you know that?" He partially joked. "I'm sorry, though. You know my role as the founder and CEO of AHS comes with unpredictable issues I have to address directly sometimes."

"Of course. I understand."

I looked down to my plate, placing another bite of the meal in my mouth.

"So what have you been up to since you got back from Thailand?"

"The usual, spending time with the boys." I replied, though I was confident he already knew of my whereabouts this week. "I just got back from Jeju Island. I spent a few days with Min-seok and his family at their villa."

"Nice, getting face time with the Chairman is important." I nodded, his gaze awkward and serious. "Rumor has it, that bridesmaid is in Seoul."

"Yeah, she is and I've been with her the entire time." I unapologetically stated.

Father sneered, setting his silverware down before he patted the corner of his lips with a cloth.

"I told you to have fun, but you should know that implies being discrete. For the love of God, you blew 100 million won on her and even got into a fight over her your first night back. Now you're telling me you vacationed with her in front of someone as important as Chairman Nam?"

"To be clear, I was the tagalong on their family trip." I reminded him. "No matter what you think of her or how you see her, she is indeed a part of the Nam family now. The vary family that's responsible for our wealth today. Maybe you should respect her a little more."

Father grabbed his drink, and took a swift swing.

"She's still here." I encouraged. "You can still meet her. She's a good woman, father."

"No."

"Father-..."

"I said no." He firmly stated. "We had an understanding. You can end the engagement with Samantha but I get to choose your wife. Hee-sun is it, Ho-seok. I'm well aware you already have a history with her, both families benefit off this unity, and she's from our society."

"Our society?" I scoffed. "Father, we're still new to it! When are you going to accept that?"

"I've always know and accepted that, which is why that foreign whore isn't an option!"

My lips parted hearing his distain towards Kayla, but also from hearing him speak so foully for the first time in my entire life.

"It doesn't matter that she's a part of the Nam family! People still badmouth the Chairman's decision to allow Min-seok's inappropriate marriage, but fortunately for him he comes for a strong legacy that demands respect! We're so close to that level of power, and it'll be achieved through a proper union between you and the right woman."

My face still and expressionless, father took a deep breath as he calmed himself down.

"She's nothing but a temporary temptation, Ho-seok. I get it. You're lonely in Boston, and she's managed to fill that void for you. That's it though. Your place is beside me, and your future is leading AHS Group. That's been the plan since you were born and the dream you've worked so hard to achieve. I won't let you ruin it over a woman, like her."

"Like her?" I gaped. "She's beautiful, strong, intelligent, and a loving woman that's decorated. She's a Harvard graduate, and a resident surgeon at the biggest hospital in Massachusetts. She's incredible, father."

"Then it sounds like she'll do just fine without you, too." My jaw clenched, I grew stiff while I managed both the rage and pain I was feeling. "When do you return to America?"

"Tomorrow." I murmured.

He nodded, slipping another piece of steak into his mouth.

"I'll begin the coordination between you and Hee-sun with her father, next week. Ending things with Samantha Lee, I'll leave it to you. As for that girl, have your fun while you're in America but be responsible. Understood?"

With nothing left to say, I obediently nodded and we ate in silence the remainder of dinner.

In a twisted way I could understand my father.

His love for AHS was more than he ever showed my mother. For the Group, my father could sacrifice anything, to include me and it appears I was no different.

For Kayla and the love I felt for her, I could sacrifice him and everything I've ever known too.

"So." Father awkwardly started as the two of us approached the lounge's elevator. "Is it safe to assume you're not coming home, tonight?"

"As you advised, I should have all the fun I want. Right?" I sassed, making him sigh.

"Travel safely, son. Though it's hard for you to see, I love you more than you'll ever know."

My silence confirmed my disappointment and he patted my shoulder before I entered the elevator, our eyes even locking as the doors slowly closed between us.

I took a deep breath, my head falling as a knot formed in the back of my throat.

A whimper suddenly slipped past my trembling lips next, my body growing heavy as what I had been bracing myself for became a reality.

I had no doubts about my decision to choose Kayla, but this still hurt.

I had always looked up to my father but I also knew I was his pride and joy, and all he had.

On the ride towards the woman I now considered my home, all that kept replaying in my head were the memories of me and my father while I was a kid.

He was an honest and hard worker that paid for our humble beginnings.

He only had eyes for my mother back then. We always ate together and he'd gift us with simple things. For my mom he'd get flowers and for me, random toys we'd enjoy together no matter how late he retuned home from work.

I watched and admired him as he grew into the success he is today, but now I was seeing the greedy and self-absorbed man he had become as well.

As I walked through my favorite hotel in Seoul, I pulled myself together.

I placed a confident smile on my face as I entered the suite I reserved for Kayla and I, Die 4 U by Dean softly echoing throughout the spacious and exquisitely designed accommodation.

I unfastened the top button of my dress shirt and slipped off my jacket as I walked deeper into the suite. By time I spotted Makayla, I entered the living area where I tossed my jacket on its cream colored sectional.

Her back was facing me as she stood in front of the wall lined with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Holding a tall glass of wine, she was wearing a silk mini robe and the matching slip I recently purchased for her.

Her fresh curls were rested along her back and the skin along her legs looked creamy smooth against the champagne color night set.

Quietly, I approached her from behind as I rolled up my sleeves and observed her beauty.

She was glowing, just like she had been for several days now. Luxury looked so damn good on her, and it matched her confidence and mentality so well.

I could see her smiling through the reflection in the window, her attention fixated on her phone screen as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Oh my, God!" She jumped. "Ho-seok, you scared me! Why did you sneak up on me like that?"

"My bad, I didn't mean to startle you." I chuckled. "Though, the Kayla I know would've sensed me coming a mile away. Maybe you're just that relaxed here, huh?"

She nodded, flaunting those pearly whites.

"I gotta say, I regret not putting this suite to more use while we were in Korea. I got here about an hour ago and they had wine, cheese, fruit, and chocolate prepared for me to enjoy. And the bathtub? If my skin hadn't started pruning, I'd still be in there!"

Satisfied, the corners of mouth were slightly raised. "Sounds like the perfect closeout to the spa day you had with Danny. How did that go?"

"So good! I don't know the last time my muscles felt this relaxed. My mind feels clear too, and my skin is still glowing after taking a bath!" Sighing, she embraced the relief she was noticeably feeling. "To be honest, I'm not ready to leave tomorrow. Korea is so amazing, and I'm going to miss Danny and the gang a lot."

"Yeah?" I asked. "Did you enjoy yourself so much, you'd consider a future here someday?"

"Oh that thought has certainly crossed my mind several times this week." She giggled. "I don't know though. It would be a big shift and one that would require a lot of support."

"We have that though, aein."

"Maybe from a money and friends perspective, but what about family?" I bit my lip, allowing my silence to confirm the outcome of the dinner. "Tonight was that bad, huh?"

"It doesn't matter." I assured. "We don't need his approval and if he can't accept you, there's no room for him in our life together. My mind is made, and I won't regret choosing you over him, Kayla. I promise."

"I know, baby. I trust you." She cooed, hearing my pain and disappointment towards my father.

She didn't press any further though. She simply went back to enjoying the amazing night view of Seoul as I hugged her tightly.

"This trip has been incredible, and also the awakening I've needed." She gushed. "It made me realize just how much I still want for myself. How much I want for us."

"Meaning?"

"It's time for me to stop isolating myself from the world."

Unlocking her phone, my eyes widened when Makayla showed me the Instagram account I had been waiting to see for months. There were no posts on her page, though.

"I used to be so active on social media, but I silenced all of my accounts after London died. It was too hard. She was in so many of the posts and pictures, and it was difficult for me to see them. I faced them today though and while I cried, they were tears of joy. I got to see her and relive the memories we made together, all the laughs we shared.

"I know I've told you I'm ready to live my life again but today was the first time I confidently felt like I could. Like I knew what steps to take, and everything seems so clear. Today was the first day, I didn't see London as a painful memory but an amazing chapter of my life. I don't feel angry anymore, but lucky.

"I feel lucky that I got to experience a friend like her. I feel lucky for the family I have, the new friends and memories I've made these past few months, and for finding a man who helped me navigate it all - even when I wasn't looking for him."

My cheek pressed against hers, a question remained. "Why did you delete all the posts on your account then?"

"Because of you."

"Huh?" I reacted, making her giggle as she turned around in my arms.

"You've been dropping hints all week, Ho-seok. I heard you when you said you weren't scared to show the world how you feel about me, and you've been adamant about taking pictures together this whole trip. You want us to be exclusive, don't you? And you want to make it happen with one swift blow that your father can't control."

I smirked, biting my bottom lip. "I really thought I was being discrete."

"No, not at all." She cackled. "I'm good with that approach though and I chose to delete all of my pictures because if we're going to go public with our relationship, I don't want London or my past associated with it.

"You're a celebrity after all, and you know how people pry. I want to move forward, and I don't need people digging up the past and making me relive it again, or even worse, dragging her name when they read inaccurate articles about her."

"I understand." I confirmed. "And since we're talking about this, there's one more discussion we need to clear before we move forward with this decision."

Seeing the nervousness in her eyes, I sensed she already knew what was coming.

I grabbed her wrist and escorted her to the plush couch. As we took a seat, she set her wine down on the coffee table and gave me her undivided attention.

"Aein, I've been waiting patiently for you to tell me about your secret. The one that led to you and Jackson's breakup and almost made you reject me before we even started. It's time for you to be honest with me, or else there's no way we can be exclusive without causing more problems for ourselves down the road."

I paused, Kayla's lips tightly pursed and her brows lowered.

"It's you, isn't it? You're the person that's been giving Antonio and the boys a hard time?"

Her shoulders slumped, Kayla looked down to her fidgeting hands.

"I'm sorry." She uttered. "I'm sorry about your car, and I'm sorry for lying to you. I was lost and my anger was the only fuel keeping me alive. I know I've broken the law but I was just trying to make things right. I just wanted to do what the system failed to, and punish those bastards who constantly get away with drug abuse, assault, rape, and even murder."

"I know." I cooed. "I know how much injustice infuriates you. I know how much that group hurt you, and I understand your anger. What you're capable of, I admit it did surprise me at first but what scared me the most was the danger you put yourself in to protect and achieve justice for others - even strangers. I don't want you doing that anymore Kayla, and Johnny and I already cleaned up any trace of your past crimes against Antonio and The Elite."

"What?" She breathed.

"I pieced things together a while ago, especially after the hospital shooting. Antonio has been onto you, and I knew if he saw the footage of you saving Madison and all those hostages, he'd come for you. 

"Johnny and I did a review of all the other vigilante incidents surrounding Antonio too, and fortunately you have a really good team helping you. There's little to no trace of you when it comes to the crimes you pulled off, and the things we did find were minor and deniable. If something surfaced, Johnny could represent you easily."

"Does Madison know about all of this too?" She panicked.

"Of course not. Johnny and I both know how much she'd worry if she found out."

Kayla sighed, resting her elbows on her knees.

"I don't know what to say. Thanking you, it doesn't seem like enough."

I chuckled, caressing her cheek as I made her look up to me.

"I love you, and protecting you is my responsibility now that we're together." She blushed, her cheeks raised. "Promise me you'll put an end to your revenge though, Kayla. As long as you end it, I can make sure the past won't catch up to you. Okay?"

"You have my word. I just want to focus on my career and a future with you from now on."

My dimples formed, butterflies appeared in my stomach as I pulled out my phone and opened the post I had been drafting for days.

"Let's do this, then. Tell me what you think."

I handed her my phone and presented the saved post showcasing several pictures we took together on the trip.

Many were candid and demonstrated how close we are and how much fun we effortlessly have together. A few were posed when we were dressed our best, and one was intimate - her legs circled around my waist as we locked lips in the Gulf of Thailand during a stunning sunset.

"Wow." She beamed. "We really had a hell of a time in Asia. These pictures came out great!"

I watched as she enthused seeing the images I selected, and while I was nervous there was still one last thing I wanted to do before we went back to Boston.

"I think the post is missing something."

"Really?" She questioned.

Her expression puzzled, I slipped my arm under her legs and used my other to support her back as I swooped her up from the couch.

"Ho-seok!" She squealed. "What are you doing?"

The two of us were cracking up as I carried her into the bedroom and set her on the edge of the premium bedding. Once she was settled, I opened my suitcase and grabbed a gift I had been holding onto since our shopping spree earlier this week.

Feeling the small velvet box in my hands, my heart was racing.

This was another first for me, but a moment I wanted us to share so badly.

"Baby, what is that?" She asked, her rounded eyes fixated on the case in my hold.

I took my place beside her and opened the small box, causing her to gasp.

"They're couple rings." I explained. "In Korea, this is a gesture between two people that are serious about each other. I didn't realize until this week, how much I've wanted to share this moment with you. How much this tradition matters to me.

"You know I love you more than anything, and I tell you how much I cherish you every day. But actions speak louder than words and this is my formal commitment and dedication to you, if you'll accept it."

"Are you kidding me?" She awed. "Of course, Ho-seok. How does this work?"

I pulled her ring out of the box and slid it on her ring finger, first.

"You have to put mine of my finger, now."

She nodded, doing as instructed before we observed the white gold lock rings side by side.

"I love them, baby." She gushed, our gazes locked. "I love you."

Elated, I laced our fingers together and snapped the final photo I'd include in the Instagram post that would announce our relationship to South Korea, my father, Sam, The Elite, and anyone else in the world that followed me.

"I can't believe we're doing this!" She nervously enthused as I finalized the post.

Now that she was following me, I tagged her and used both english and hangul in the caption.

"Hard Launch. Nae Aein, saranghae."

"You ready?" I checked.

"No." She admitted. "I'll never be ready though, so just post it."

I did as she said without hesitation, startling her to the point she gasped and snatched the phone out of my hand.

"Holy shit!" She exclaimed. Notifications were already pouring in at the top of my screen. "We're exclusive, Ho-seok! Like exclusive, exclusive!"

I chuckled. "We are."

"How are you so calm right now?" Her phone was vibrating nonstop too, and she was floored seeing all the notifications. "I already have new followers and there are so many, Ho-seok!"

"People will be curious about you for a while." I informed, grabbing my phone from her lap.

Seeing some of the harsh comments already being made about Kayla, my smile briefly fell.

Fortunately, she hadn't noticed them and I planned on keeping it that way tonight.

I turned off my phone, and took hers to do the same.

"What are you doing?"

"Our reality sets in tomorrow." I reminded her, placing our phones on the nightstand. "Its been an amazing trip, and this our last night to escape the challenges we'll have to face the moment we land in Boston. Let's be in the present and about each other right now."

"What do you have in mind?" She purred through a flirtatious grin.

Closing the gap between us, I hovered over her slim frame as we laid back on the bed.

"Your mom's wise advice is coming to mind." I grazed her nose with mine, her hands already unfastening the buttons of my shirt. "We'll have to catch up on rest during the 18 hour flight back home. I have no intention of sleeping tonight, and you shouldn't either."

Catching her lips with mine, we beamed through an enticing and playful smooch that lingered into several more as she pulled my shirt off my arms.

Her freshly washed body was fragrant, emitting sweet and delicate notes of flowers.

I could feel her hardened nubs beneath the silk slip she was wearing and as I devoured her soft lips, my hands traced a path down her sides.

The taste of her always drove me crazy with longing, like a never ending enchantment.

I sucked on the velvety skin along her neck, and as I left a trail of kisses down her body I hiked up the slip and tossed her laced panties to the side.

She watched in anticipation as I took my time embracing her precious flesh and the alluring scent of her slick arousal that soon coated my tongue and lips.

I relished this moment, hearing her whimpers of praise and passion as she enjoyed my sincere and devoted ministrations.

She rocked her hips against my mouth, arching further into me as she tangled her fingers in my hair. Her other hand, laced with mine as our new rings of commitment clinked together.

I worshiped Kayla and catered to her every desire the entire night; lathering her body with tender kisses, caressing every inch of her smooth flesh, and filling her with slow and deep thrusts as we made love to each other one last time on this perfect getaway.

Despite the challenges we'd inherently face now that we were exclusive, I took comfort in knowing Kayla and I made a decision that reflected our hopes and not our fears.

Tonight was the moment, forever truly began for us. 

____

Author's Note: IT'S GAME TIME YA'LL! 

Ho-seok and Kayla are exclusive and such a bold decision will certainly lead to a lot of drama! 

Following that tense dinner, how do you think Ho-seok's father will react? Will his public reveal be enough to get him cut off? How do you think The Elite will respond to Ho-seok's sudden declaration, especially Antonio? 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for your support!

- Zelene